To those who lost their lives for our country, not just today but every day, we say thank you!
For decades on this specific day, people have gathered and placed flowers on graves to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. While that is a kind and gracious gesture, flowers only last for a short period of time; while our allegiance and appreciation to these men and women should last a lifetime. It should be as eternal as the flame that burns in Arlington Cemetery.
But even our eternal allegiance and appreciation are not enough. That is why I have all the confidence in the world that God has a special place for those who have died on battlefields and in foreign lands defending this great nation.
If any life has ever been given in vain, it is not that of the soldier, the sailor, the airmen, the Guardsmen or the Marine, for their cause was a cause higher than their own – God and country and freedom for all. They have paid the price, we have received the reward. They have sown peace, we have reaped freedom.
We are blessed to have had men and women who have laid down their lives in place of our own— People who have hidden in foxholes, drank from cisterns, slept in jungles or the scorching, hot heat of the deserts, and eaten meals from boxes that were the consistency of Styrofoam; All to protect our freedom at their expense. They have given all and received little in return.
Those who have died protecting our nation may never walk the halls of Congress, but they will walk the streets of Heaven. They may never enjoy dinner at the White House, but they will feast at the table of a King. They will not be honored in the town square, but they will be honored at the thrown of God. Their footprints will not be cast in the sidewalk of a famous theatre, but they will be cast upon the hearts of millions of Americans who appreciate their valiant efforts and their ultimate sacrifice. Only in God’s presence will they be rewarded for their good deeds and their ultimate sacrifice; for their selfless nature and their giving spirit. Nothing is more Christ-like than to give your life to take the place of another, so that they may live.
Yet even our military members who survive are no less heroes, because they too have been willing to do that very same thing. It is not just the death of a person for our nation, but the willingness of a person to die for it that has kept us free. Not all are called upon to pay the ultimate sacrifice, but all who serve are willing to pay it. There is no other profession paid so little to sacrifice so much. Men and women who have lost their lives in defense of our nation are to be remembered not as fallen warriors, but as risen saints.
So to them we say thank you – Thank you for taking our place on the battlefields; Thank you for defending all that we hold dear; Thank you for doing what many were not brave enough to do;
Thank you for leaving your families to protect ours; Thank you for serving in the jungles and the heat for us as we sat in our air conditioned offices; Thank you for sleeping in the cold, as we lay covered by electric blankets. We recognize and acknowledge your courage, your bravery, and strength.
So today we say more than thank you and we give you more than flowers; we give you our eternal appreciation, our deepest gratitude, our grateful hearts, and the love and respect of an entire nation. God bless the men and women who wear the uniform; those who serve, who have or ever will serve, and those who have lost their lives to save our freedoms.
God bless the United States Military, past, present and future; and God bless the great nation in which we live and the one they serve – have fought and died to protect.
We say thank you!
By Alabama Secretary of State, Beth Chapman